Rathgeb Ready for Islanders Camp

Yannick Rathgeb may have been relatively unknown to the fans when he signed a

in April, but the Swiss defenseman is opening eyes in the organization.
"Great feet, good shot, offensive upside. He competes and he's coachable," Bridgeport Sound Tigers Head Coach Brent Thompson said of Rathgeb. "A lot of the things you want in a defenseman he is and just excited to have him at camp and see where it takes him."

Rathgeb comes to the Islanders after three years with HC Fribourg-Gotteron in Switzerland's top league, but this isn't Rathgeb's first time playing in North America. The Swiss-born defenseman played two seasons of junior hockey with the Plymouth Whalers in the Ontario Hockey League, so he's already familiar with the smaller rink and physical nature of the game. Rathgeb doesn't shy away from the physicality either, as he led the NLA - the Swiss League - with 115 PIMs in 2016-17.

"He's already been through it," Thompson said of the North American experience. "At the prospect camp he was one of the more physical guys, jumping into the play. He seems to have a bit of confidence to him and its fun to see him out here. Looks like he's a bit stronger and faster and excited to see how he progresses."
The Islanders currently have six defensemen on one-way contracts to start the 2018-19 season with Johnny Boychuk, Thomas Hickey, Nick Leddy, Scott Mayfield, Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock. That leaves an opportunity for a young defenseman to earn a spot as a seventh defenseman out of camp, or good standing for a call up during the season - and Rathgeb is looking to insert himself in the mix.
"It was always in the back of my head, but I just go step by step," Rathgeb said. "First I wanted to make the U16 national team, then world juniors, then OHL. I'm not thinking too far ahead, just going step by step and right now I'm obviously pretty happy to be here."
Rathgeb called it a "no-brainer" to come to North America for a shot at the NHL, saying it's been his goal since he was a kid watching Alex Ovechkin and Erik Karlsson.
"For me it's pretty much a dream come true and for me it was pretty important after my three years in Switzerland," Rathgeb said. "I feel ready to take on the next step and I definitely felt ready after last season."

His three seasons in Switzerland were productive. Rathgeb claimed the rookie of the year honors in the NLA in 2015-16, posting 27 points (9G, 18A) in 50 games. The 22-year-old has recorded at least 27 points in all three seasons with HC Fribourg-Gotteron - and posted 28 points (8G, 20A) in 38 games last season.
The only hiccup was a broken collarbone - suffered in an exhibition game during the Olympic break - that kept him out of the playoffs.
Rathgeb was healthy by the Islanders Mini Camp over the summer and left an impression during the Blue and White Scrimmage, winning the hardest shot competition with a 99 mph slap shot. His shot is one of his calling cards, along with his physicality. He models his game after Nashville Predators' defenseman Ryan Ellis.

"I'm an offensive defenseman," Rathgeb said. "I like to push the pace, I like to play physical and I like to run the PP from the point. I have a pretty decent one timer I like to use a lot. Pretty emotional guy, I'm really into the games with heart and like to compete every night."
"I've worked hard on my defensive game the last three years and got a lot better at it," Rathgeb added. "Still have lots of room to improve on."
Rathgeb hopes its the NHL, but even the AHL will be a step in the right direction.
"It's important to me to take the next step," Rathgeb said. "Always have a new challenge and not stand still."